NEVBD

POSITION: Research Biologist, CDC Division of Vector-Borne Diseases

DESCRIPTION: The Bacterial Disease Branch within the Division of Vector-Borne Diseases (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in Fort Collins, CO is seeking qualified applicants for a Research Biologist position. The federal pay grade of the position at hiring will depend upon the level of the applicant’s experience and credentials. Likely salary range will be from $84,118 - $109,358. The person sought will serve as a key member of an interdisciplinary entomology and ecology team. The primary activities of the team center around 1) identifying when and where persons are at risk for exposure to vector-borne bacterial pathogens (primarily focused on agents causing Lyme disease, tickborne relapsing fever, tularemia and plague), 2) elucidating how those pathogens are maintained in natural transmission cycles, and 3) developing and evaluating strategies to reduce human risk of exposure to ticks, fleas and their associated human pathogens. In addition to conducting research in these broad areas, we expect the successful candidate to be actively involved in service activities and to engage with external public health partners.

QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidate should have a doctorate degree in Biological Sciences (preferably disease ecology, medical entomology, vector biology, or related specialties) with several years of post-doctoral experience, a robust publication record, and a strong desire to do applied public health entomology and ecology research and related service activities. Previous research experience focused on Lyme disease, plague, tularemia or tick-borne relapsing fever is desirable, but not required.

HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: The position can be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified, preferably with a start date in early 2021. If you are interested in this opportunity, prior to August 31, 2020, please send the following to Rebecca Eisen:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Contact information for 3 professional references

Rebecca Eisen, Ph.D., Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521 Email: dyn2@cdc.gov

POSITION: Biologist - Mosquito Extermination, Morris County Department of Public Works, Mosquito Control Division

DESCRIPTION: The Morris County Department of Public Works, Mosquito Control Division, is seeking a Biologist to become part the mosquito control staff. We are looking for a candidate to supervise inspection staff, perform field work requiring the application of biological and closely related principles and techniques; does other related duties as required. Essential duties include:

• Supervises and coordinates the work activities of inspection staff
• Ensures the proper handling and application of insecticides
• Develops effective work plans and schedules areas to be inspected, treated or cleaned
• Organizes program to determine effectiveness of the mosquito control program
• Teaches employees proper methods of utilizing insecticides
• Supervises the proper use of equipment and supplies
• Prepares various kinds of reports and maintains essential records and files
• Required to apply insecticides
• Required to drive a truck or other vehicle
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and or manual recording and information systems utilized by the agency.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in one of the biological sciences
• Must possess a valid New Jersey driver’s license
• Must be able to obtain a valid New Jersey Pesticide Applicators License, CORE and category 8B within three months of employment
• Applicants must be able to read and write English

HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Apply online through the Morris County online application form, including cover letter and resume.

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POSITION: Associate Professor, Arbovirologist, Tulane University

DESCRIPTION: The Department of Tropical Medicine in the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine is seeking a prominent investigator in arboviral research to develop a Center of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases. This researcher will have a well-developed program in the molecular epidemiology, immunology, molecular biology, pathogenesis or pathogen-vector interactions for one or several arboviruses. Resources will be provided for relocation and recruitment of additional faculty positions. Candidates should have evidence of sustained scientific productivity and may have external funding for research.

Individual research programs in the Department of Tropical Medicine at Tulane currently include dengue and other mosquito-borne viral pathogens, malaria, Chagas, schistosomiasis, tick-borne diseases and antimicrobial resistance. There is a strong entomology research program with links to the city and state mosquito control boards. Related research programs at Tulane involve tuberculosis, HIV. lassa fever and ebola.

QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates at the Associate or Full Professor levels should have national or international reputations, robust and active research programs, and a history of mentorship and leadership to enable their success in building international research teams, educational programs and other aspects of leadership within the Department of Tropical Medicine.

HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Interested candidates should forward a CV, a cover letter describing their research interests and leadership accomplishments, and names of 3 referees in a single pdf file to dmajner@tulane.edu with “Arbovirology Search Committee” in the subject space.

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POSITION: Associate or Full Professor of Empire Innovation, Center for Environmental Health & Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University

DESCRIPTION: SUNY Upstate Medical University (UMU), in collaboration with SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), seeks two internationally recognized experts in vector-borne diseases and infectious disease ecology, broadly defined, to apply for an Associate or Full Professor of Empire Innovation position (Commensurate of the experience of the Empire Innovation Program (EIP) faculty per decision of campus leadership) as part of the New York State Empire Innovation Scholar Program. The program and position aims to expand the ranks of world-class faculty within the SUNY system. EIP positions are highly prized and very competitive; as such, EIP faculty enjoy special distinction within the SUNY system and are largely free of teaching responsibilities in order to accelerate their research.

The successful candidates will join a growing team of collaborative and interdisciplinary researchers in Central New York in the expansion of a new Center for Environmental Health and Medicine, a SUNY-funded collaboration between ESF and UMU organizationally within the UMU Institute for Global Health and Translational Sciences (IGHTS). Utilizing the expertise of the successful candidate the Center will be able to leverage the robust facilities, faculty expertise, and platforms for research on a local and global scale to address the greatest challenges to environmental and human health. Linking local and global surveillance and research efforts will provide a unique opportunity for students, fellows and faculty. More information about the Center can be found by visiting the SUNY CEHM website.

QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidate should have an established research program focused on the complex relationship between the environment and human health, currently funded through competitive extramural sources that are R01 or R01-equivalent.

HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and statement of research interests to eisearch@upstate.edu. References will be requested if you are selected as a finalist. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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POSITION: Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Virus-Vector Interactions

DESCRIPTION: Two Postdoctoral Scientist positions are available starting July 1, 2020 in the Department of Environmental Sciences within the Center of Vector Biology and Zoonotic Diseases. This two-year appointment is funded through a NIH award investigating arbovirus-mosquito interactions. This work is a continuation of recently published studies conducted at CAES on the impact of multiple mosquito blood meals on virus dissemination and transmission. Individuals are expected to undertake fundamental cellular, molecular and organismal biological studies pertinent to the aims of the project. In addition, we are seeking a highly creative and independent individual that will be able to identify new and interesting research directions stemming from these studies and pursue post-doctoral funding opportunities. The current appointment is for two years and, depending on performance, may be extended. Annual salary will be $51,662 plus competitive benefits

QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in a relevant field (virology, microbiology, or vector biology). Applicants must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills, be able to provide a coherent and well-organized presentation of their past work, and have a strong publication record. Experience working with mosquitoes and arboviruses is desired.

HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Interested persons should submit, to the group leader below, electronic copies of: (1) a letter of application specifically addressing how the applicant meets the job requirements as listed above, especially experience in the stated fields, and including a statement of career goals, (2) a CV, and (3) contact information for at least three references; incomplete applications will not be considered. Dr. Doug Brackney, Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, P. O. Box 1106, New Haven, CT 06504. doug.brackney@ct.gov. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until a suitable applicant is found. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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POSITION: Postdoctoral Researcher - Phenological Forecasting

DESCRIPTION: Applicants are invited to apply for a postdoctoral position to develop phenological models in support of ongoing efforts to create a continental-scale forecast of mosquito activity. This project includes (1) developing predictive models of seasonality of mosquito species representative of specific life-history strategies and (2) implementing these models to generate real-time and short-term forecasts of mosquito activity as well as predictions of future changes in seasonal patterns of mosquito activity. This position is supported through funding from a US Geological Service Powell Center grant. Anticipated start date: October 1, 2020 (24 months of funding). Job responsibilities include the following:

• Integrate and synthesize large-scale mosquito monitoring datasets with environmental data (temperature, rainfall, hydrology) and the extensive literature on mosquito life-history-climate functional responses to model specific phenometrics (to be selected in conjunction with stakeholder communities and working group).
• Generate predictive relationships between climate variability and mosquito phenology at a macro-ecological scale.
• Implement these models to generate real-time and short-term forecasts of mosquito activity as well as predictions of future changes in seasonal patterns of mosquito activity.
• Effectively communicate and interact with scientists to define the requirements of the simulations and models. Obtain necessary input data for simulations and provide meaningful interpretation of modeling results to guide development of a continental-scale forecast of mosquito phenology.
• Disseminate knowledge through publications in technical journals and presentations at conferences, symposia, and review meetings. Provide reports on technical work and input to peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
• Collaborate with a working group and project investigators to plan and design projects, determine technical objectives, and interact with and provide regular project reports to a government client (USGS Powell Center).
• Organize and facilitate two USGS Powell Center workshops in collaboration with working group leads

QUALIFICATIONS: Must be a Ph. D. graduate in Ecology, Bioinformatics, Statistics, Applied Math, or a related field. Additional required qualifications include:

• A strong publication record in the peer-reviewed scientific literature, with at least one first author publication
• Demonstrated experience communicating results at national or international conferences
• Ability to work independently and in teams to deliver high-quality results within aggressive timelines.
• Strong background in ecological forecasting; fluent in numerical methods, statistics, and/or Bayesian analysis
• Familiarity with model development and/or population modelling
• Fluency in Python or R

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with high performance and/or cloud computing, linux shells, and GPU usage
• Experience with collaborative coding and version control systems (e.g. GitHub)
• Development of end-user applications of models
• Exposure to phenological data
• Familiarity with integrating disparate datasets that collected by variety of agencies

HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Please send position inquiries to Katherine LeVan, PhD, Insect Ecologist / Biorepository Scientist, National Ecological Observatory Network, klevan@BattelleEcology.org.

American Mosquito Control Association e-Modules

The e-modules cover basic mosquito biology, surveillance and control with an emphasis on Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus

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Certification in Public Health Entomology

The Midwest Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (MCE-VBD) is offering a certificate in Public Health Entomology to recognize and provide basic skills related to the surveillance and management of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases. The certification process is open to anyone affiliated with MCE-VBD partner organizations with interest in developing skills in vector-borne disease surveillance and control.

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Entomological Society of America Certification Programs

The Entomological Society of America Certification Corporation offers two certification programs for professionals who work with insects:

• Board Certified Entomologist - program for professional entomologists with degrees in entomology or a closely-related field
• Associate Certified Entomologist - program for pest management professionals with strong training and experience in insect-related work, but without academic training required of professional entomologists

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Mosquito Training Course for Pest Managers

The Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases, along with partners in the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, is pleased to announce a new online course in mosquito training for pest managers. Participants who complete the 11 modules in the course will learn to identify and understand the mosquitoes of major importance in the urban environment, their life cycles, the general methods of control, personal protective equipment required for safe insecticide application, and the laws and regulations governing mosquito control for the urban pest management industry.

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NEHA Vectors & Pests Webinars

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) produces open-access webinars to improve the capacity of environmental health to identify and understand emerging vectors found in the United States. The NEHA Vector & Pests Webinars page provides up-to-date information on vector control topics and resources used to protect the public of the transmission of vector-borne diseases.

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Pesticide Management Education Program Distance Learning Center

The Pesticide Management Education Program (PMEP) partners with the New York State Integrated Pest Management program (NYSIPM) to provide online pesticide applicator courses. These courses often carry continuing education credits accepted by New York, Vermont, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and West Virginia. Available courses include toxicity of pesticides, insect biocontrol, integrated tick management, introduction to developing IPM strategies, and more.

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Vector Control for Environmental Health Professionals (VCEHP)

A no-cost 11-course learning series developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and partners. Program emphasized the use of integrated pest management (IPM) to address public health pests and vectors that spread disease.

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American Mosquito Control Association

AMCA Careers

American Public Health Association

APHA Jobs

American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene

ASTMH Career Center

Entomological Society of America

ESA Job Site

Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California

MVCAC Jobs & RFPs

New Jersey Mosquito Control Association

NJMCA Job Announcements

Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases

MCE-VBD Jobs PacVec Jobs SEVBD Jobs WGCVBD Jobs

Society for Vector Ecology

SOVE Opportunities

Texas A&M University Entomology Job Board

TAMU Ento Jobs